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the DD214 is somewhat misleading...

some clerk somewhere depending upon his mood goes through the 201 file looking for awards commendations as he types up the discharge paper..

Depending upon his work load his ambition (or lack of) a little grease crossing his palm he can pretty much type anything he wants (as long as it doesnt stretch credulity too far) and once it is on the DD form 214 and signed by the adjutant (who doesnt check the clerks work) most civilains consider it law...(unless the orders for the awards are in the 201 the typing on the DD214 is irrelevant...yet sometimes the award orders dont make it into the 201 or the DD214 which is why occasionally veterans get awards years after service is rendered...after a proper investigation turns up awards or reliable witnesses)

when in fact it may not necessarily reflect reality...

I ets'd from a small ft and not only knew all the clerks...was present as mine was being typed up..and even then he didnt include everthing...rather than have him redo it...I wanted to go home..and get going..

My DD214 doesnt reflect every award I earned..and I havent gotten around to petitioning the DOD to rectify this...

nevertheless...I have met combat vets who have earned medals...yet lie about additional medals or units of service... I knew a vet who earned a silver star from a straight leg line company who lied about being an airborne ranger..

go figure...Im guessing the guy felt he wasnt good enough just the way he was and wanted to be more and didnt do it when the time was right....and found it easier just to lie about it...
go figure..

My DD214 doesnt reflect every award I earned..and I havent gotten around to petitioning the DOD to rectify this.

Therein lies the key. Its the easiest thing in the world to claim that you received more awards than you actually were awarded, and the DD214 is a quick-n-easy way to have something at hand to back up your sea stories.

(Agree on your numerous valid points about the validity of data on DD214s. I had a merry time getting my Navy Expeditionary Medal and last Good Conduct reflected correctly on mine).

When I retired I was "outprocessed" at a CBPO and given my paperwork to review and ensure it was correct and proper per my military experience, awards , decorations and training. It wasn't, I had the clerk correct it on the spot with documentation from my records in his possession .

When one seperates or retires from the DOD the single most important piece of paper is the DD214 as it will be your single record of accomplishments and validation for retirement, employment or medical benefits.

Make certified copies and keep the original in a safe place. As to this event , one such lie negates all his honorable efforts if ever there was in the first place.

Stay Safe !